International Pairs World Finals Ends in Playoff at Machrihanish Dunes Golf Course

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15th Annual Tournament Won by Spain in Play Off Against England

Argyll, Scotland (PRWEB)October 28, 2013

Machrihanish Dunes Golf Club announced today that the team of Manuel Hernandez Gonzalez and Manuel Sanchez Varela of Team Spain are the winners of the 2013 International Pairs World Finals, which was recently held at Machrihanish Dunes. With a Stableford score of 41, the team from Spain won in a nail biting play-off against Marcus Law and Stuart Stamps of England. South Africa’s team of Johann Strauss and Pierre van Graan came in third with a score of 39.

The International Pairs World Finals at Machrihanish Dunes hosted teams from more than 30 different countries. The top ten teams, in order of winning were: Spain, England (2), South Africa (3), South Africa (2), USA, Antigua & Barbados, England (1), United Arab Emirates, Nigeria (1) and Portugal, who took home the top spot in 2012.

Other countries that placed in the top 20 included the Czech Republic, Romania, Wales, Trinidad & Tobago, Egypt and Ireland.

The 2013 International Pairs World Final, hosted at The Village at Machrihanish Dunes, brought together finalists from across the globe in what event organizer Patrick Mulcrone called the ultimate test of golf. “All in attendance described the setting and course for this final as perfect,” Mulcrone said, “with many holes hugging the rugged and picturesque shores of the Mull of Kintyre. Nothing was too much trouble for the staff in attendance and the testing links course was in absolutely perfect condition for the competitors, who prepared for battle in Scotland, the home of golf.”

The tournament kicked off with a procession through Main Street, Campbeltown with the Machrihanish Dunes Sound of Kintyre Pipe Band, which was joined in the town square by the James McCorkindale School of Dancing’s highland-style dancers.

The practice round was played in near-perfect conditions, with sunny skies and little or no wind to test or challenge the players on the championship Machrihanish Dunes links course.

There were no clear-cut favourites and the final scores underlined just how competitive the event was. At the end, there were two teams left, Spain and England on 41 points apiece; Manuel Sanchez Varela (11) and Manuel Hernandez Gonzalez (2) representing Spain and Stuart Stamps (9) and Marcus Law (5) were representing England.

With a tie score, the teams were looking at a two-hole, sudden death play-off, playing down the short, but very challenging Par 4, 10th hole and the longer Par 4 11th hole, with the Atlantic wind pressing from the right and danger all along the left.

The two referees walked the players through the tiebreak and they gathered at the 10th tee, followed by a strong entourage of competitors, guests and staff.

After the tenth hole was halved when the British golfer Law called a penalty on himself because his ball had moved on the green, the excitement and tension level of the match only grew higher. On the second playoff hole, both Spaniards drove to within chipping distance of the hole on the lower level of the green and went on to clinch the tournament by putting out for par. A more detailed play by play is attached.

Now in its 16th year, the International Pairs World Finals competition is comprised of more than 120 club golfers who have surpassed regional and country finals to represent their country in the final matches at Machrihanish Dunes. Since its inception in 2004, thousands of golfers representing more than 35 countries have competed in the event.

The tournament format includes a practice round and two competition rounds over the 3-day period. To participate, players first have to compete in a Club Qualifier event at their home club. Clubs can register at GolfFrontiers.com. The local Club Qualifier can be a medal, charity or other tournament. Winners of the local qualifiers then proceed to Regional Finals, the winners of which then have the opportunity to participate in the International Pairs World Finals at Machrihanish Dunes. Clubs that want to participate in the International Pairs World Championship are encouraged to get more information by visiting http://www.golfFrontiers.com, where they can also register for the tournament.

About Machrihanish Dunes
The Village at Machrihanish Dunes, Scotland’s award-winning seaside resort, offers luxurious seaside cottages, the world’s most natural links golf course and two recently stored historic hotels. Located on Scotland’s magnificent Argyll coastline, The Machrihanish Dunes Golf Club, The Ugadale Hotel, The Ugadale Cottages and The Old Clubhouse Pub are situated in the quaint town of Machrihanish. A mere five miles from Machrihanish in the heart of historic Campbeltown, The Royal Hotel stands, serving as an in-town hotel option for those visiting the resort. With a growing collection of accommodations, fine restaurants and lively pubs, The Village at Machrihanish Dunes provides a warm welcome and first-class service to business and leisure travellers from around the world.

Southworth Development LLC, through its affiliated companies, is the primary owner, developer and manager of Machrihanish Dunes Golf Club and luxury accommodations in both Machrihanish and Campbeltown, Scotland.

Editors Note:
Grants to the restoration of the Ugadale Hotel in Machrihanish and The Royal Hotel in Campbeltown in cooperation with: Highland and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) funding support; the Campbeltown Town Centre Regeneration Project (Argyll & Bute Council), a special grant to the Royal Hotel by the Scottish Ministers, through Historic Scotland under the Historic Environment Regeneration Fund.